GLFW vs SFML

Struggling to choose between GLFW and SFML? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

GLFW is a Development solution with tags like opengl, windowing, input-handling, crossplatform.

It boasts features such as Create and manage windows with OpenGL contexts, Receive input from keyboard, mouse, joystick, etc, Manage events like window resize, input, etc, Multi-monitor and multi-window support, Support for multiple OpenGL versions, Cross-platform - works on Windows, Linux, MacOS, Written in C - can be used from C/C++ applications and pros including Lightweight and simple, Actively maintained, Good documentation and examples, Permissive license (zlib/libpng).

On the other hand, SFML is a Development product tagged with game-engine, c, 2d-graphics, audio, crossplatform.

Its standout features include Graphics module for 2D rendering, Audio module for playing sounds and music, Window module for managing windows and OpenGL contexts, Network module for TCP, UDP and HTTP requests, System module for getting system information, and it shines with pros like Cross-platform, Simple and easy to use API, Good performance, Active community support.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

GLFW

GLFW

GLFW is an open-source, cross-platform library for creating windows with OpenGL contexts and receiving input and events. It is commonly used in games, scientific visualization, and other graphics-related applications.

Categories:
opengl windowing input-handling crossplatform

GLFW Features

  1. Create and manage windows with OpenGL contexts
  2. Receive input from keyboard, mouse, joystick, etc
  3. Manage events like window resize, input, etc
  4. Multi-monitor and multi-window support
  5. Support for multiple OpenGL versions
  6. Cross-platform - works on Windows, Linux, MacOS
  7. Written in C - can be used from C/C++ applications

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Lightweight and simple

Actively maintained

Good documentation and examples

Permissive license (zlib/libpng)

Cons

Limited to OpenGL only (no Vulkan support)

No higher-level abstractions like sprites, fonts, etc

Requires linking other libraries for audio, image loading, etc


SFML

SFML

SFML (Simple and Fast Multimedia Library) is a cross-platform software development library designed to provide a simple interface to various multimedia components in applications.

Categories:
game-engine c 2d-graphics audio crossplatform

SFML Features

  1. Graphics module for 2D rendering
  2. Audio module for playing sounds and music
  3. Window module for managing windows and OpenGL contexts
  4. Network module for TCP, UDP and HTTP requests
  5. System module for getting system information

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Cross-platform

Simple and easy to use API

Good performance

Active community support

Cons

Limited documentation

Less features than larger frameworks like Qt

Not as widely used as SDL